The historic Clanton’s Cafe in Vinita, Oklahoma, makes a prominent appearance in the trailer for the forthcoming crime film “One Day as a Lion.”
You’ll spot the interior and exterior of the Route 66 restaurant almost right away, including its neon “EAT” sign:
The film was shot in various towns in northeast Oklahoma, including the Route 66 towns of Tulsa and Bristow.
It stars Scott Caan (the son of acting legend James Caan) and J.K. Simmons, who won an Oscar for “Whiplash” but probably remains best-known for his Farmers Insurance commercials.
The synopsis for “One Day as a Lion”:
Jackie Powers is a nice guy but a lousy hitman who takes a waitress hostage after a job goes bad. When Jackie reveals he needs money to get his son out of jail, she cooks up a scheme for them to get cash from her dying mother.
“One Day as a Lion” enjoyed a limited release in theaters earlier this month, and it’s available for viewing on YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV, Redbox, Vudu and Amazon Prime.
Clanton’s has operated along Route 66 since 1927. In addition to its excellent cowboy cooking, it’s famous for being featured on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” and its calf fries.
(Hat tip to Oklahoma Route 66 Association; screenshot image from video of Clanton’s Cafe in “One Day as a Lion” trailer)